Indianapolis Motor Speedway Frequently Asked Questions Indy 500 Traditions Since the inaugural race in 1911, the Indianapolis 500 has become steeped in rich tradition, one of the most alluring aspects of "The Greatest Spectacle In Racing." Here is the history of some of the most popular and enduring traditions of the Indianapolis 500: 500 Festival Parade The 500 Festival Parade took place for the first time in 1957. It, and several other related activities, largely came about following a series of newspaper editorials over a two- or three-year period by local columnists who had witnessed the several-day celebration in advance of the Kentucky Derby. "Back Home Again in Indiana" Although there are reports that "Indiana," as the song was originally titled when published in 1917, was played by a trackside brass band as Hoosier driver Howdy Wilcox ran out his final laps on the way to winning the 1919 "500," it was not until 1946 that it was sung on race morning.

James Melton, of the New York Metropolitan Opera Company, was a collector of classic cars, and was at one time president of the Antique Automobile Club of America. He supplied several of the vehicles which participated in a race-morning lap of classic automobiles around the track in 1946, and approximately 45 minutes before the start of the race, he sang "Indiana" with the Purdue University band over the public address system. It was so well received that he was invited back the following year, and in 1948, it was decided to "move it up" to its current slot in the order of the day, just prior to the firing of the engines. Among Melton's better-known successors have been Mel Tormé, Vic Damone, Dinah Shore, Ed Ames, Peter Marshall, Dennis Morgan and Johnny Desmond, with popular Jim Nabors having missed only a handful of years since 1972. Balloons Before the Start It is believed that 1947 was the first year for the release of multi-colored balloons on race morning and that it was Tony Hulman’s mother, Grace Smith Hulman, who made the suggestion.

By 1950, the release had been timed to coincide, as it does to this day, with the final notes of "Back Home Again In Indiana." Drinking of the Milk Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Louis Meyer regularly drank buttermilk to refresh himself on a hot day and happened to drink some in Victory Lane as a matter of habit after winning the 1936 race. An executive with what was then the Milk Foundation was so elated when he saw the moment captured in a photograph in the sports section of his newspaper the following morning that he vowed to make sure it would be repeated in coming years. There was a period between 1947-55 when milk was apparently no longer offered, but the practice was revived in 1956 and has been a tradition ever since. Borg-Warner Trophy The Borg-Warner Trophy , one of the most recognizable trophies in all of sports, has been awarded to the winner of every Indianapolis 500-Mile Race since 1936.

Crafted out of sterling silver by Spaulding-Gorham of Chicago, it was unveiled at a dinner in New York in February 1936, featuring bas-relief sculptures of every "500" winner up until that time. The new winner has been added every year since, and in 1986 (the trophy's 50th anniversary), the final space became filled. The solution for 1987 was to add a base, but this too became filled, and in 2004, an even larger version replaced it, this one with enough spaces to last through 2034. The only sculptured face not of a winning driver is that of the late Speedway Tony Hulman , whose likeness, in gold, was placed on the base in 1987.

Indy 500 traditions FacebookEmail Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Leslie Bailey" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-config="above" class="util-bar-flyout-nav-btn util-bar-flyout-nav-btn-pinterest" data-share-method="pinterest" data-popup-width="600" data-popup-height="455" data-uotrack="UtilityBarFlyoutPinterestLink" target="_blank" data-popup >Pinterest Indy 500 traditions What makes a tradition? Is it repeating the past time and time again without thought? Or is it a matter of honoring "the way things were" -- or in some cases, how we wish they'd be? From milk in the winner's circle to why those yellow shirts are, well -- yellow, we spoke with Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson about the traditions surrounding the Indy 500 race. -- Leslie Bailey Post to Facebook Indy 500 traditions What makes a tradition? Is it repeating the past time and time again without thought? Or is it a matter of honoring "the way things were" -- or in some cases, how we wish they'd be?

From milk in the winner's circle to why those yellow shirts are, well -- yellow, we spoke with Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson about the traditions surrounding the Indy 500 race. -- Leslie Bailey Check out this story on IndyStar.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Join the Conversation Indy 500 traditions None What makes a tradition? Is it repeating the past time and time again without thought? Or is it a matter of honoring "the way things were" -- or in some cases, how we wish they'd be? From milk in the winner's circle to why those yellow shirts are, well -- yellow, we spoke with Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson about the traditions surrounding the Indy 500 race.

-- Leslie Bailey Jessica Hoffman / 2013 Star file photo Buy Photo None According to Indianapolis 500 historian Donald Davidson, the 500 Festival, which began in 1957 with a ball, a square dance and a small parade that now attracts 300,000 spectators, cameabout following a series of newspaper editorials by local columnists who had witnessed the several-day celebration in advance of the Kentucky Derby. Kelly Wilkinson / 2013 Star file photo None Florence Hendersonhas performed either "America the Beautiful" or "God Bless America" immediately preceding the national anthem, nearly every year since 1991. Star file photo Buy Photo None Jim Nabors, shown singing "(Back Home Again in) Indiana" prior to the 2013 Indianapolis 500, has performed the song nearly every year since 1972. He willreturn for a final performance before this year's race. Kelly Wilkinson / 2013 Star file photo Buy Photo None Legend says Tony Hulman's mother, Grace, suggested to her son in 1947 that multi-colored balloons be released on race morning.

By 1950, the release had been timed to coincide, as it does to this day, with the final notes of "(Back Home Again in) Indiana." Matt Detrich / 2013 Star file photo Buy Photo None Mari Hulman George (waving to fans during the 2013 500 Festival Parade) has been giving the famous starting command "(Ladies and) Gentlemen, start your engines!" since taking the task over from her mother, Mary F. Hulman, in 1997. Matt Detrich / 2013 Star file photo Buy Photo None Driver Tony Kanaan chugs the milk in Victory Circle after winning his first Indianapolis 500 in 2013. The milk tradition dates back to the 1936 race when Louis Meyer requested the drink after winning his third race. Matt Detrich / 2013 Star file photo None The Indianapolis 500 safety patrol was formed in 1948. Patrol members originally wore blue but the garb began to switch to yellow in the '70s.

Star file photo Buy Photo None Although it was familiar at European racing events, the wearing of the wreath did not appear in Indianapolis until 1960. Today, Borg-Warner is responsible for producing the over-sized decorative greenery. Dan Wheldon donned the wreath after winning in 2011. Matt Kryger / 2011 Star file photo None The Purdue All-American Marching Band has been performing as part of the Indianapolis 500 pre-race festivities since 1946, and possibly earlier. Star file photo None Commissioned in 1935 by the Borg-Warner Automotive Company, the Borg-Warner Trophy features the likeness of 72 Indianapolis 500 winners. The last to have his image placed on the original trophy was Bobby Rahal in 1986. A new base was added in 1987, and it was filled to capacity following Gil de Ferran's victory in 2003. A third base was added in 2004; that will not be filled until 2034.

Star file photo None Carburetors have not been used by Indianapolis 500 cars for 50 years. However the tradition of Carb Day remains. A mechanism designed to distribute fuel evenly to the engine, carburetors were not adjusted to optimum racing specifications until several days before the race. Carb Day is the last opportunity teams have to test their equipment on the track prior to race day. Star file photo None The tradition of the winning driver kissing the yard of bricks at the start/finish line actually started with a NASCAR race. Dale Jarrett did it following his 1996 Brickyard 400 victory. Gil de Ferran, in 2003, became the first Indy 500 winner to kiss the bricks.Helio Castroneves (pictured) has kissed bricks thrice. Star file photo None In 1911, the Speedway introduced a passenger car to lead the field in a rolling start. For many years, the pace car also served as the location for the traditional starting command. In others, a lap in the pace car was customary after the command.

This year's pace car, a Camaro Z/28, will be driven by three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti. IndyCar.com Indianapolis Motor Speedway In what year did the first Indianapolis 500 take place? 1911. Ray Harroun won in the Marmon "Wasp." Why was the distance of 500 miles selected? Having decided to dispense with multi-race programs and concentrate on one major race for 1911, Speedway leader Carl Fisher and his partners envisioned an event that would appeal to the public by lasting approximately seven hours between mid-morning and late afternoon. A distance of 500 miles was settled upon, and Ray Harroun won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 in six hours, 42 minutes and eight seconds. What is the distance of one lap around the oval? 2.5 miles. The track has four distinct turns and straightaways, a layout unchanged since the facility opened in 1909.

The front and back straightaways are 5/8th of a mile each, with the "short chute" straightaways between Turns 1 and 2 and Turns 3 and 4 at 1/8th of a mile each. Each of the four turns is 1/4th of a mile long. What is the degree of banking in the turns? Each of the four turns on the oval is banked at exactly 9 degrees, 12 minutes, the same dimensions as when the track opened in 1909. Which driver has won the Indianapolis 500 the most times? Three drivers have won the Indianapolis 500 four times each: A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967, 1977) Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987) Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991) Who is the youngest winner of the Indianapolis 500?

Troy Ruttman was 22 years, 80 days old when he won the 36th Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1952. Q. Who is the oldest winner of the Indianapolis 500? A. Al Unser was 47 years, 360 days old when he won the 71st Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 1987. What is the name of the trophy presented to the winner of the race each year? The Borg-Warner Trophy, which was commissioned in 1935 by the Borg-Warner Automotive Company. In 1936, Indianapolis 500 winner Louis Meyer was the first driver to receive the trophy. Why does the winner of the Indianapolis 500 drink milk in Victory Lane? Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Louis Meyer regularly drank buttermilk to refresh himself on a hot day and happened to drink some in Victory Lane as a matter of habit after winning the 1936 race.

An executive with what was then the Milk Foundation was so elated when he saw the moment captured in a photograph in the sports section of his newspaper the following morning that he vowed to make sure it would be repeated in coming years. There was a period between 1947-55 when milk was apparently no longer offered, but the practice was revived in 1956 and has been a tradition ever since. Have women competed in the Indianapolis 500? Nine women have raced in the Indianapolis 500: Janet Guthrie (1977-79) Lyn St. James (1992-97, 2000) Sarah Fisher (2000-04, 2007-10) Helio Castroneves (2001) Have there always been 33 cars in the starting field of the Indianapolis 500? No. After 40 cars started in the inaugural race in 1911, the Contest Board of the American Automobile Association (AAA), the sanctioning body at the time, mandated a formula for limiting the size of a starting field according to the size of the track.

It was determined that the safe distance between each car spread equally around a course would be 400 feet, thereby limiting the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway to 33 cars. Speedway President Carl Fisher, however, placed a limit of only 30 cars for the "500" between 1912 and 1914 and did not adopt AAA's 33 maximum until 1915. Although there had been numerous occasions between 1912 and 1928 when the field was not filled, the allowed number was increased during the Depression years to 40 cars between 1930 and 1932 (only 38 made it in 1930) and further to 42 in 1933. The maximum has been at 33 ever since 1934, although extenuating circumstances expanded the field to 35 starters in 1979 and 1997. What is the fastest official lap ever turned during the month of May? 237.498 mph by Arie Luyendyk during qualifying May 12, 1996.

Luyendyk turned a lap of 239.260 during practice May 10, 1996. It was the fastest unofficial lap ever at the Speedway, as practice laps are not official. Has any driver ever won the Indianapolis 500 three times in a row or more? No. Five drivers have won the race two years in a row: Wilbur Shaw (1939-40) Al Unser (1970-71) Helio Castroneves (2001-02). Who was the first driver and team to earn $1 million in one year for winning the Indianapolis 500? Emerson Fittipaldi and Patrick Racing, whose winner's share was $1,001,604 in 1989. Has any driver raced in the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis during their career? Yes, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve.

Montoya won the 2000 Indianapolis 500 in his only start in that event, drove in the United States Grand Prix from 2001-06 and raced in the Brickyard 400 in 2007-12. Villeneuve raced in the Indianapolis 500 in 1994-95, winning in 1995, drove in the United States Grand Prix from 2000-03 and 2006, and raced in the Brickyard 400 in 2010. Fourteen drivers have raced in the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400: John Andretti, Geoff Brabham, A.J. Foyt, Larry Foyt, Robby Gordon, Sam Hornish Jr., Jason Leffler, Montoya, Max Papis, Scott Pruett, Tony Stewart, Danny Sullivan, Jacques Villeneuve and J.J. Yeley. Tomas Enge, Justin Wilson, Takuma Sato and Jean Alesi each have raced in the Indianapolis 500 and the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis.

Scott Speed and Jacques Villeneuve have raced in the Brickyard 400 and the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis. Who created the term “The Greatest Spectacle In Racing?” Alice Greene coined the phrase in 1955. Camping Options Available Now! Fun Fact #42 The 3.5-liter, 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol-powered engine of a Verizon IndyCar Series car produces more than 650 horsepower, nearly 4 times that of the average street car. The stories behind your favorite Indianapolis 500 traditions FacebookEmail Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest The stories behind your favorite Indianapolis 500 traditions What makes a tradition? Is it repeating the past time and time again without thought? Or is it a matter of honoring "the way things were" -- or in Post to Facebook The stories behind your favorite Indianapolis 500 traditions What makes a tradition? Is it repeating the past time and time again without thought? Or is it a matter of honoring "the way things were" -- or in Check out this story on IndyStar.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

1 The stories behind your favorite Indianapolis 500 traditions Leslie Bailey , leslie.bailey@indystar.com Published 12:17 p.m. ET May 1, 2014 | Updated 12:19 p.m. ET May 1, 2014 Buy Photo Proving this was the parade they were looking for, stormtroopers joined the 2013 IPL 500 Festival Parade. The parade annually draws nearly 300,000 people. (Photo: Kelly Wilkinson / 2013 Star file photo)Buy Photo What makes a tradition? Is it repeating the past time and time again without thought? Or is it a matter of honoring "the way things were" -- or in some cases, how we wish they'd be? "If you try to plan a tradition, it won't take off and then some stupid thing will become a huge craze and it happened by accident," said Donald Davidson, historian at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. From milk in victory lane, to why those yellow shirts are, well -- yellow, we spoke with Davidson about the traditions surrounding the Indianapolis 500.

Last Slide Next Slide 500 Festival Parade The first 500 Festival events included a ball, a square dance and a small parade that today draws nearly 300,000 spectators. According to Davidson, the Festival began in 1957 largely coming about following a series of newspaper editorials by local columnists who had witnessed the several-day celebration in advance of the Kentucky Derby. "In those days everybody hung out with everybody else, and everybody talked with everybody else," Davidson said. "Newspaper guys and movers and shakers used drink and talk with each other -- they didn't do things by email," Davidson said. Boxing matches, as well as PGA golf and gin rummy tournaments were also popular race-related events prior to the formation of the 500 Festival committee. Florence Henderson Hoosier native Florence Henderson has performed either "America the Beautiful" or "God Bless America" immediately preceding the national anthem, nearly every year since 1991. From 1993 to 1997, the former "Dancing With the Stars" contestant and "Brady Bunch" mom sung the anthem only.

Henderson is a close friend of the Hulman-George family and can often be seen at racing-related events throughout the month of May. Jim Nabors Known best for his role as Gomer Pyle on the "Andy Griffith Show," Jim Nabors' second claim to fame might be his annual performance of "(Back Home Again in) Indiana" during the Indy 500 pre-race festivities. Buy Photo (Photo: Kelly Wilkinson / 2013 Star file photo) Backed by the Purdue All-American Marching Band, Nabors has performed the song nearly every year since 1972, immediately following "The Star-Spangled Banner." The song was first sung at the start of the race in 1946. "A lot of people did it just once but somehow or another, Jim Nabors just clicked," Davidson said. Balloon spectacle What's a party without balloons? The story has it that Tony Hulman's mother, Grace, suggested to her son in 1947 that multi-colored balloons be released on race morning.

By 1950, the release had been timed to coincide, as it does to this day, with the final notes of "(Back Home Again in) Indiana." Starting command "Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!" Mari Hulman George has been giving the famous starting command since taking the task over from her mother, Mary F. Hulman, in 1997. The traditional phrase was altered to, "In company with the first lady ever to qualify at Indianapolis, gentlemen, start your engines," when Janet Guthrie became the first female driver to qualify for and race in the Indianapolis 500 in 1977. It was changed to its current format with the addition of multiple female drivers. Milk in victory lane Why anyone would want buttermilk on a hot summer day is beyond us. but that's exactly what Louis Meyer requested in victory lane after winning his third Indianapolis 500 in 1936. Buy Photo (Photo: Matt Detrich / 2013 Star file photo) The Milk Foundation took note and made sure it would be repeated in coming years.

There was a period from 1947 to 1955 when milk was apparently no longer offered "officially," but the practice was revived in 1956 and has been a tradition ever since (though Emerson Fittipaldi refused to drink it in 1993). Yellow shirts From the first Indianapolis 500 in 1909 until 1947, the Indiana National Police provided safety and enforcement at the Speedway. In 1948, the safety patrol was formed. The patrolmen wore blue until some time in the early 1970s, the heads of departments began wearing yellow to be more identifiable. "Then everyone wanted one and a few years later they were all wearing them," Davidson said. Victory wreath If you want to stump Davidson, ask him about the story behind the wreath race winners don in victory lane. Although it was familiar at European racing events, the wearing of the wreath did not appear in Indianapolis until 1960. Today, Borg-Warner is responsible for producing the over-sized decorative greenery.

Purdue All-American Marching Band The Purdue All-American Marching Band has been performing as part of the Indianapolis 500 pre-race festivities since 1946 and Davidson has reason to believe the band was present at races before that as well. "It's hard to tell immediately post-war because they wore military uniforms at the time," he said. The band performed the national anthem independently of a vocalist until the 1970s. Borg-Warner Trophy In addition to setting the precedence of drinking milk in victory lane, Indianapolis 500 winner Louis Meyer was the first driver to receive the Borg-Warner Trophy in 1936. (Photo: Star file photo) Commissioned in 1935 by the Borg-Warner Automotive Company, the trophy features the likeness of 72 Indianapolis 500 winners. The last to have his image placed on the original trophy was Bobby Rahal in 1986. A new base was added in 1987, and it was filled to capacity following Gil de Ferran's victory in 2003. A third base was added in 2004; that will not be filled until 2034.

Carb Day Carburetors have not been used by Indianapolis 500 cars for 50 years. However the tradition of Carb Day remains. A mechanism designed to distribute fuel evenly to the engine, carburetors were not adjusted to optimum racing specifications until several days before the race. Carb Day is the last opportunity teams have to test their equipment on the track prior to race day. "Speed is paramount -- you're stretched out to go fast as you can over distance. But once you have the speed, endurance and longevity are the goal," Davidson said. Kissing the bricks The tradition of the winning driver kissing the yard of bricks at the start/finish line actually started with a NASCAR race. Dale Jarrett did it following his 1996 Brickyard 400 victory. Gil de Ferran, in 2003, became the first Indy 500 winner to kiss the bricks. Pace car In 1911, the Speedway introduced a passenger car to lead the field in a rolling start. For many years, the pace car also served as the location for the traditional starting command. In others, a lap in the pace car was customary after the command.

The 2015 Camaro Z/28, driven by retired three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, will serve as this year's pace car. (Photo: IndyCar.com) 27 CONNECT TWEET LINKEDIN 1 COMMENTEMAILMORE Read or Share this story: NEVER MISS OUT Indy 500 Traditions, From Milk To The Snake Pit - SBNation.com NASCAR Indy 500 Traditions, From Milk To The Snake Pit A look at some of the traditions that make the Indy 500 special, from the milk the winners swig to The Snake Pit. Rec May 20, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; General view of the Borg Warner Trophy during bump day for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE When you spend nearly a century doing something, chances are that you eventually start engaging in repetitive behaviors.

The usual term for this phenomenon is "tradition," and it has been a watchword at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race for longer than anyone reading this article has been alive (and probably will remain so long after we aren't). Every major sport has its own traditions. Some are motivated by sportsmanship, like the National Hockey League's tradition of competing teams lining up on the ice to shake hands with each other at the end of a playoff series. Others, like the annual commercial-fest and overwrought halftime show during the Super Bowl, are motivated by commercialism. Still others are born of sentiment, and even visitors to Triple Crown races will tell you that the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home," "Maryland, My Maryland," and "New York, New York" at the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, respectively, sends chills up and down the spine. The annual Memorial Day weekend classic at The Brickyard is loaded with traditions - some of them as ingrained in the national psyche as hot dogs and apple pie.

Jeff Gluck previews the race The Pace Car American racing fans are well-acquainted with the sight of the pace car, the street-legal machine that parades in front of the field during pre-race laps and during caution periods. What race fans may not know is that the first use of the pace car in motorsports was at the 1911 Indianapolis 500. Carl Fisher, the builder and first owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, came up with the concept of the pace car because he believed that the standing start -- the practice in use at virtually every motor racing event in the world to that time -- was unsafe. Fisher decided to implement a rolling start so that the competitors could warm up their engines, engine and transmission fluids and tires prior to the first competitive lap. Fisher himself drove the pace lap for the first five years of the race. The Indianapolis 500 Pace Car has always been a domestic American brand, from the first Stoddard-Dayton pacer (which you can see on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum) to this year's Chevrolet Corvette.

Driving the pace car in pre-race pace laps has become something of a plum celebrity assignment, and a veritable who's-who list of luminaries have paced the field over the years. Post-race, the winner of the Indy 500 traditionally receives the keys to a replica at the Indy 500 Victory Banquet. The original car is stored for display at the IMS Museum. Other pace car replicas are used as "festival cars" during the month of May and are later sold. The "11 rows of three" Since 1933, each Indianapolis 500 has had at least 33 starters (the exceptions were in 1979 and 1997, when controversies in both years resulted in 35 starters). On the final pace lap -- there are three pace laps after engine start, two ceremonial and one "official" -- all 33 starters assemble themselves into 11 rows of three cars in a line-abreast formation until the green flag.

This tradition actually stems from a 1919 mandate from AAA, the sanctioning body for the 500-Mile race at the time, requiring one car for every 400 feet of racetrack. The Indianapolis 500 is the only race in the world to feature a three-abreast pacing formation for the start of the race. The World of Outlaws sprint car series traditionally features a four-abreast ceremonial pace lap, but the cars revert to a two-wide start before the green flag. The Snake Pit There is a tongue-in-cheek theory that if you are an Indianapolis native and were born prior to 1985, you have a better-than-average chance of having a February birthday. The reason for this is that until the late 1980s, the biggest party in America north of Mardi Gras was to be found in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dubbed "The Snake Pit," the IMS infield became known for a tradition of revelry, violence and debauchery on a legendary scale. Imagine Woodstock, but with more booze, drugs -- and burning cars.

A more politically-correct iteration of The Snake Pit has been revived this year in the northeast section of the IMS infield, complete with live entertainment and other amenities. Carburetion Day On the Friday before the race, each qualified team participates in a final practice session. Up until 1955, this meant tuning the engine's carburetor for race conditions, and while carburetors have not been used in IndyCars since then, the name has remained. Carb Day practice is the only day besides race day when all 33 cars can be on the track at once, and it is the final practice session open to the public. Following the final practice, the annual Pit Stop Competition takes place, followed by a concert -- a Carb Day tradition since 2000. Driver Parties There are two major parties held for Indy 500 competitors. The first of them is held on Carb Day for the three slowest qualifiers in the field. More a roast than an actual party, the Last Row Party dates to 1972 and raises funds for charity.

Although one might expect the attendees to be obscure or lesser-light drivers, to date eight former or eventual Indy 500 winners have been "honored" at the Last Row Party. The other big party is the post-race Victory Banquet held in downtown Indianapolis. The race winner is honored by the other teams and competitors, as well as IMS officials and city dignitaries. The winner also officially receives the keys to his own replica Indy 500 Pace Car at this event. Indy 500 race-day traditions The actual day of the Indy 500 is packed full of traditional events, starting at 6:00 a.m. on race day, when a percussion grenade is exploded to signal that the track's gates are open. Pre-race ceremonies As fans file into the facility, the Purdue University All-American Marching Band begins to play.

Their playlist fluctuates from year to year but always included are the songs "Stars and Stripes Forever" and "On the Banks of the Wabash." Celebrities then take to the track for laps in "festival cars" -- usually replicas of the Indy 500 Pace Car or cars and trucks from the Pace Car manufacturer's inventory -- and the 33 competitors are introduced to the crowd in groups of three, from last row to first. Given that the race takes place on Memorial Day weekend, subsequent pre-race ceremonies are heavily patriotic. Indiana native and star of "The Brady Bunch" Florence Henderson traditionally performs either "America the Beautiful" or "God Bless America," followed by the singing of the National Anthem (usually by special guests of the Speedway), all accompanied by the Purdue band. A special performance of "Taps" is then played, followed by remarks honoring America's veterans and those who have died in combat. This Memorial Day tradition has taken on special significance since September 11, 2001, with the remarks being delivered by a high-ranking member of the military. A military fly-by usually follows this portion of the ceremonies.

What many traditionalists consider to be the highlight of the pre-race ceremonies is the singing of "Back Home Again in Indiana." This is one of the oldest traditions at the track, having been performed since 1946. Other singers have sung it over the years -- including Dinah Shore, Mel Torme, Ed Ames and Peter Marshall. But for most race fans of this generation, the song is irrevocably connected to Jim Nabors, the man who made Gomer Pyle famous. During the rendition of "Back Home Again in Indiana," speedway officials release thousands of multicolored balloons from a tent in the infield. This tradition is an homage to the first competitive event at the Speedway, which was the U.S. National Balloon Championships in 1909.

Following this song, the track announcer gives the command: "Drivers, to your cars!" Then, the "most famous words in motorsports" are spoken: "(Ladies and) Gentlemen, start your engines!" The tradition began with Wilbur Shaw in 1946 and has been voiced since 1955 by a member of the Hulman-George family (since 1996 by Mari Hulman George, daughter of Tony Hulman). The milk The most famous Indy 500 tradition is the one that occurs immediately after the race's finish. In 1936, race winner Louis Meyer pulled into victory lane worn out and exhausted after hours of difficult driving and competition. Remembering his mother's advice on how to deal with hot days, Meyer asked for a glass of buttermilk. Like most traditions, the reason why it caught on was inexplicable -- but it caught on nonetheless. Belatedly, milk companies caught on to the fact that the tradition was a marketing bonanza for their industry, and by 1956, local milk producers became sponsors of the post-race ceremonies.

Today, the race winner receives $10,000 from the American Dairy Association if he sips milk in victory lane. The only driver in the past 74 years who has defied the tradition -- at least initially -- was Emerson Fittipaldi in 1993, who owned citrus farms in Brazil and consequently asked for a glass of orange juice. However, Fittipaldi eventually did sip the milk after a hearty chorus of boos from the grandstands. The Borg-Warner Trophy Easily one of the most famous trophies in all of professional sports, the Borg-Warner Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. The victor's face is sculpted and placed on the trophy itself along with his name, average speed and the race date. Until 1988, the race winner kept the trophy itself for a year (similar to the traditional awarding of the NHL's Stanley Cup), but when the trophy was renovated that year to add room for more race winners, the procedure was altered to give the victor a replica trophy as a permanent award. The trophy itself remains on display at IMS year-round. Start Your Engines!

Traditions of the Indianapolis 500 - Blog - The Henry Ford Start Your Engines! Traditions of the Indianapolis 500 Search our website to find what you’re looking for. Search Select Your Language You can select the language displayed on our website. Click the drop-down menu below and make your selection. Past Forward May 23, 2016 Archive Insight Official Program of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 27th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes Race, May 30, 1939. THF 122945 Over the years, sporting events have become traditions in our lives: the Super Bowl in the winter, the Kentucky Derby every May, and the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day Weekend. Iconic events such as these develop their own customs over time, and the Indianapolis 500 is no exception. As we celebrate the 100th running of the race on May 29, here is a look at a few of the traditions that have developed over the years. Start of the 1911 Indianapolis 500. P.O.2703 Some of the current Indy traditions started in the early days of the race.

Since the inaugural running on May 30, 1911, the contest has always been held on Memorial Day or that weekend. As a tribute to horse racing practices, only the winner of the race (and his team) are honored in Victory Lane, without a podium for the top three finishers. Speaking of victory celebrations, Lewis Meyer began another triumphal tradition in 1936. After winning that year's race, Meyer grabbed a bottle of buttermilk to cool himself down, as he typically did on hot days. After an executive from the Milk Foundation saw a photograph of the celebration, it became a yearly occurrence. Although there have been a few years without milk in Victory Lane, this appears to be a tradition that will last for years to come. Bobby Unser drinking milk in Victory Lane, 1968, 2009.158.317.5507 The 1940s saw the start of more traditions at the Indianapolis 500. In 1946, the song "Back Home Again in Indiana" was first played in pre-race festivities.

Numerous artists have been enlisted to perform the song over years, including Jim Nabors, who sang it 36 times between 1972 and 2014. (Singer Josh Kaufman will fulfill the duty for this year.) In 1947 Grace Smith Hulman, the racetrack owner's mother, suggested balloons be released before the start of the race. Since 1950, 30,000 multicolored balloons, now made of biodegradable latex, have been let loose coinciding with the final notes of "Back Home Again in Indiana." Di Gilmore and Jim Nabors at the 1977 Indy 500 Balloon release at the 1963 Indy 500. 2009.158.317.1729 The next decades brought more long-lasting traditions to the Indianapolis 500.

In 1953, Wilbur Shaw first gave the starting call of "Gentlemen, start your engines!" Some variation of this call has been used every year since then, with the opening periodically changing to "Lady and Gentlemen" or "Ladies and Gentlemen" for the years when female drivers are competing. A few years later, the 500 Festival Parade developed after local newspaper columnists noted the community festivities that accompanied the Kentucky Derby. The 2016 festival includes a mini-marathon, parade, children's activities, and the Snakepit Ball. It was 1960 that was the first year that the winner was adorned with a wreath, drawing from Grand Prix traditions. The current wreath design contains 33 white cymbidium orchids representing the 33 cars and drivers on the starting grid. Jim Clark draped in victor's wreath at the 1965 Indy 500. 2009.158.91 1968 Indy Festival Queen with the Borg Warner Trophy, 2009.

158.317.5261 Since the 1970s, more traditions have been added to the Indy 500. The Last Row Party, started in 1972, is a charity function held the Friday before the race. In addition to raising scholarship funds for local students, the party also serves as a roast for the last three competitors to make the starting grid. A few years later, in 1976, Jeanetta Holder created and presented her first quilt to the winner of the race. Over the years, she has crafted more than 40 hand-stitched quilts, with Bobby Unser's 1981 quilt now in the collection of the Henry Ford. More recent additions to the Indy traditions include concerts on Carb Day and Legends Day, and the kissing of the bricks, which actually started in NASCAR tradition in 1996. Gil de Ferran was the first Indy driver to do it at the conclusion of the 2003 race. Jeanetta Holder quilt for Bobby Unser, 1981.

2009.171.18 Tradition and ritual are a part of our everyday lives, and will certainly be an integral part of this year's Indianapolis 500. Over the last 99 contests, drivers, owners, and even fans have created new customs that add to the history and lore of the race. As you watch the 100th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing on May 29, keep your eyes open for the existing traditions and perhaps some new ones in the making. Janice Unger is Digital Processing Archivist for Racing, Archives & Library Services, at The Henry Ford. Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk to celebrate? | AL.com Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk to celebrate? Helio Castroneves Helio Castroneves holds up a bottle of milk after winning his first Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 24, 2009.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (The Associated Press) One of the most iconic images in the sporting world is the one of the Indianapolis 500-winning race car driver drinking from a bottle of milk in celebration of his victory. At this year's 100th running of the world-famous IndyCar race, the milk-drinking tradition will happen again. But just where did the tradition come from? It started when Louis Meyer cooled off with a glass of buttermilk after he won the Indy 500 in 1936 (from a childhood tradition handed down from his grandmother). Apparently a dairy executive saw a picture of Meyer drinking the milk and decided to turn it into a marketing opportunity. Starting the next year, the Indy 500 winner was handed a bottle of milk to drink from after his victory. Three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves has said that the milk tradition is special. "After 500 miles, you're really happy, you're celebrating, and you're kind of thirsty. That milk drinks awesome," he has said. "It tastes just like champagne." But what if decide to decline the milk? Well, maybe you just shouldn't.

After Emerson Fittipaldi drank orange juice instead in 1993, fans booed him at the track and he became a bit of a "villain" in racing circles. For this Sunday's race, fans will get to join in the milk tradition; the Indy 500 is giving out 100,000 bottles for fans to drink alongside the race winner. Regional Scoreboard © 2013 STATS LLC. All rights reserved. Active Discussions Indy 500: Race Traditions Indy 500: Race Traditions Discover five long-standing Indy 500 race traditions. Most Popular Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Balloon Release Since 1947, the Indy 500 has released multi-colored balloons before the start of the race. The idea was suggested by Mary Hulman, Tony's wife. The release is timed to the final notes of the song "Back Home Again in Indiana." Speaking of which, it was first sung in 1946 by James Melton of the New York Metropolitan Opera some 45 minutes before the race. It proved so popular it was moved up to just prior to the start of the race.

While Jim Nabors has sung it almost every year since 1972, the song has been rendered by Mel Tormé, Vic Damone, Dinah Shore, Ed Ames, Peter Marshall and Dennis Morgan. Most Popular The Yard of Bricks The original surface of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track was crushed rock and tar, but proved unsatisfactory after a few days' use. In August 1909 the surface was replaced by 3.2 million street-paving bricks. Paving over the bricks with asphalt began in 1936 to cover rough spots and by 1939, only 650 yards of the main straight remained exposed brick. In 1962, the front straight was paved leaving only a 3-ft. wide strip at the start/finish line exposed. A tradition of kissing the bricks began at NASCAR's 1996 Brickyard 400 with winner Dale Jarrett and crew. Indy 500 winners picked up on the new tradition shortly thereafter.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Winner's Drink of Milk Three-time winner Louis Meyer, at his mother's suggestion, routinely drank buttermilk on a hot day to refresh himself and he drank some in victory lane after his 1936 win. A dairy industry executive saw the picture and suggested the winner drink regular milk, which happened at each race from 1937-1946. The tradition disappeared from '47-'55 only to be revived in 1956 and continues to this day. In 1993, Emerson Fittipaldi created controversy by drinking orange juice (he owned orange groves in Brazil). He did, however, take a sip of milk after the cameras were off, but was criticized for his on-air break of tradition. Winner's Wreath A fixture in Grand Prix racing, the winner's wreath made its first appearance at Indy in 1960 when a wreath of exotic flowers was placed on Jim Rathmann's shoulders. The next year, A.J. Foyt sported a wreath of red and white carnations.

Today's wreath, which was designed 30 years ago, includes 33 ivory-colored Cymbidium orchids with burgundy tips and 33 miniature checkered flags, representing the race's starting grid. Green's Bad Rap Racers are a superstitious lot and the color green has always been considered bad luck. This goes back to Gaston Chevrolet, who won the 1920 event in a green car but was killed several months later in the same vehicle at a Beverly Hills board track. That tradition held until Jim Clark's Lotus won the historic race in 1965 liveried in British Racing Green. Some traditionalists stay away from the color, while others, like Danica Patrick's Go Daddy-sponsored ride, embrace it. More from Road & Track: Indianapolis 500 Winners Drink Milk—For Tradition and Recovery Indianapolis 500 Winners Drink Milk—For Tradition and Recovery Tweet With the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 approaching, a lot of traditions and stories are being shared.

As we head into the month of May and all of the events leading up to race day on May 29, the one that as a dietitian I am most intrigued about is, “Why does the winner drink milk ?” I love a glass of cold milk: cow’s milk, soy milk, chocolate milk, almond milk, cashew milk…it doesn’t matter to me. But after a hot and sweaty trip around the oval 200 times, I’m not sure that would be my drink of choice. The History of the Indianapolis 500 Milk Legend Here is some history on the interesting choice of beverage for the winner of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” year after year. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway writes this: Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Louis Meyer regularly drank buttermilk to refresh himself on a hot day and happened to drink some in Victory Lane as a matter of habit after winning the 1936 race. An executive with what was then the Milk Foundation was so elated when he saw the moment captured in a photograph in the sports section of his newspaper the following morning that he vowed to make sure it would be repeated in coming years.

There was a period between 1947-55 when milk was apparently no longer offered, but the practice was revived in 1956 and has been a tradition ever since. It is also interesting to note that the American Dairy Council pays a sponsorship of $10,000 to the winner of the race if they sip milk after their victory. Two drivers skipped the milk in recent years. In 1993 Emerson Fittipaldi opted for orange juice, and in 1981 Bobby Unser also refused. Milk for Workout Recovery We have known for years that chocolate milk is the gold standard in recovery after strength training, so why not grab a glass of cold calcium-packed milk after a grueling workout? Even though it is seen as a strange tradition, it is the perfect recovery fuel after hours spent in a hot car. The benefit of the chocolate (or any flavor) milk is the additional sugar to help replace what was just burned during the workout; however, even if it is not flavored, the carbohydrates in white milk are beneficial. Chocolate milk does have the perfect ratio of carbohydrate to protein, so if that is available it would be the best choice.

Keep in mind that non-dairy milk such as almond, cashew, and hemp do not have the protein component that is key for recovery. The good news is that milk isn’t just for winners of the Indy 500. Anyone can benefit from this delicious beverage after a workout. Grab your favorite kind soon! This blog was written by Angie Scheetz, RD, Wellness Coordinator. To find out more about the NIFS bloggers, click here . Why is milk the drink of Indy champions? | FOX Sports Why is milk the drink of Indy champions? May 25, 2011 at 1:00a ET 0 Shares It is one of the most famous sights in all of motorsports, the victor’s drinking of the milk after the Indianapolis 500. It’s been honored, discussed, protested — and memorialized in cheese. What more could a tradition offer? The open-wheel drivers lust after this swig of milk. It is the stuff of both legend and lore. And once, according to published reports, even of a protest by People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals. But just how did this tradition get started?

According to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, three-time winner Louis Meyer “regularly drank buttermilk to refresh himself on a hot day.” Turns out, one such day was the 1936 race, which he won and then drank milk in Victory Lane. An executive with the Milk Foundation saw the photo in the sports section and worked to make sure it was repeated. Obviously, it was, except for a period from 1947-55 when milk was not offered. The practice remains in vogue to this day, with images of the race winner slugging the product annually. Drinking milk in Victory Lane has led to some interesting stories, though. In 2001, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported that PETA, citing cruelty to cows, asked then-speedway President Tony George to drop the tradition. "Please consider dropping this outdated practice, or change the Indy 500 beverage to something humane and healthful, like orange juice or soy milk," wrote Andrew Butler, PETA Vegan Campaign coordinator, according to the story. In 2005, Sports Illustrated named the bottle of milk given to the winner as No.

1 among the “sports world’s coolest prizes.” In 2007, race fans at the Indianapolis State Fair were given a special treat. According to a story on the track’s website, a sculpture made from cheese — to commemorate the American Dairy Association of Indiana’s involvement with the Indianapolis 500 — honored the tradition. The “Winners Drink Milk” sculpture was carved from cheese in front of fair attendees. It showed the race winner drinking milk beside his car — and included milk dripping from the lips of the victor. It took 67 hours to complete. And finally, it has even been a topic on David Letterman’s show. The host, who is part owner of an IndyCar Series team, brought race winner Scott Dixon onto the show in 2008. According to reports, Letterman posed the obvious question: "After 500 miles, is milk what you really want to drink?" And Dixon offered his take on the tradition — that it is simply the fact that one has the chance to do it that matter. "That milk could have been a glass of mud for all I care at that point. It was the best moment," he said. 0

Question: By tradition what is drunk by the winner of the 'Indianapolis 500' motor race?
Answer: MILK